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By Helen Bushbycultural reporter
It was Raye’s night when she made history at the Brit Awards, winning six of the seven awards she was nominated for, surpassing Blur, Adele and Harry Styles’ record of four wins in a single ceremony.
She is also the first woman to win songwriter of the year.
As she collected her awards barefoot, she said: “The artist I was three years ago wouldn’t believe I’m in control – I’m my own boss.”
Dua Lipa won best pop act, while Kylie Minogue won global icon.
Dua Lipa thanked her fans for “giving me this radical sense of confidence that I can do anything.”
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She also thanked her father and manager, Dukagjin Lipa, calling him “Dadager Dougie,” and added, “I’m so grateful we get to do this together.”
Raye’s first award, for song of the year for Escapism, was presented to her by former deputy postmistress Jo Hamilton, a victim of the Horizon IT scandal.
fake imagesShe was joined on stage by the actress who played her in the recent ITV drama. Mr Bates v the Post OfficeMonica Dolan.
Mrs Hamilton, who was falsely accused of stealing £36,000 from the Post Office, said on stage at London’s O2 stadium: “I want to thank everyone in the country for the love and support they have given to the administrators of mail.
“Please can you continue to support us because despite what the government says, they don’t pay postmasters?”
Raye, clearly amazed and overwhelmed by her victories, brought her grandmother Agatha on stage with her when she was picking up her sixth album of the year. He was introduced by his former Brits School principal, Stuart Worden.
fake imagesRaye, whose hit singles also include Smoke, Second and Welcome to the Winter, suffered years of rejection from her record label before being released from her contract, allowing her to keep the songs she had written.
The singer-songwriter decided to release them herself and her song Escapism went viral on TikTok and later hit number one.
“You just don’t understand what this means to me,” the singer said between sobs. “I’m ugly crying on national television.
“All I ever wanted to be was an artist, and now I’m an artist with an album of the year. Thank you so much, this is too much, come on grandma, let’s go.”
The show was presented by Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Roman Kemp.
Amfo, who was Raye’s “first radio play” on BBC Radio 1 10 years ago, told the singer: “There’s no such thing as overnight success, I’m so proud of you.”
Raye also called on the music industry to “pay songwriters their master royalty costs”, saying: “It means that if the songs win big, the writers will win too – please let that happen.”
The award for best international artist was won by American singer-songwriter SZA, who managed to beat stars like the powerful Taylor Swift.
fake imagesKylie, who has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, was the first female artist to have a number one album in five consecutive decades in the UK. As she picked up the prize from her, she said that she would be “sobbing to Raye.”
“It’s been 36 years and counting. What gets me is the love for music and the connection with people,” he said.
“There is a part of me that is still a 14-year-old girl who dreams of making music. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey, you have my heart forever and ever.”
She sang a medley of her hits in numerous outfits, appearing on a giant podium in a flowy PVC dress. She took it off to reveal a white dress and black thigh-high boots, as she joined her dancers at stage level.
Kylie follows her success at the Grammys last month, where he won his second award, two decades after his first.
fake imagesOther winners of the night included Calvin Harris, who won best dance act.
He kissed his wife, BBC Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope, as he collected his award and thanked his collaborator, singer Ellie Goulding.
“Ellie, I wouldn’t be on this stage this year if it wasn’t for you, what you brought to Miracle was incredible,” he said, referring to his single.
“I couldn’t have done it with anyone else in this room.”
Miley Cyrus won International Song of the Year for her hit single Flowers, and Jungle won group of the year.
The three presenters included a skit in which they dressed in Traitor capes, replicating the hit BBC One television show by casting votes on who should perform next.
They were joined by none other than two of the show’s contestants: Ross Carson and his mother Diane, who lost the grand prize but have gained popularity since leaving the show.
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Although this moment was well received by the crowd, some viewers of the show on X were quick to mock other aspects of it.
One X user compared the audience to the “sad Oompa Loompa” in the Willy Wonka’s unfortunate experience, which went viral on social media recently. They wrote: “OMG this is all so low energy… has ITV served everyone a half cup of lemonade and a jellybean?”
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Another compared it to an episode of The Apprentice, posting a photo of Lord Sugar on X saying: “‘This week I’m sending you to the O2 where I want you to organize a music awards ceremony.”
But one user said the ceremony was “eclipsing the Grammys in every way, with the actual awards ceremony being the one that recognizes talent and not bribes it.”
Raye’s win for Best R&B Performance drew praise from singer Mahalia, who had achieved asked the British to give R&B its own category.
“That’s how it’s done. Against all odds. Come on, our girl…she couldn’t be more proud!!!!!” she posted on X.
Another user mocked executives at Raye’s former record label with a gif of Homer Simpson, from the TV series The Simpsons, disappearing backwards into a hedge.
Ray’s victories were also compared to the moment. when Julia Roberts, in the movie Pretty Woman, returns to the store she had rejected her custom, brandishing the bags of clothes she bought elsewhere.